Starting a franchise is often seen as a safer way to enter the business world because it gives entrepreneurs the chance to use a well-known brand and benefit from established systems. In South Africa, Just Property is a popular choice for people who want to enter the real estate industry. The company has a strong reputation in both property rentals and sales, and its wide network across the country makes it an attractive business opportunity. Before deciding to invest, however, it is important to understand how much it costs to open and run a Just Property franchise.

Initial Investment

The first major cost when starting a Just Property franchise is the initial franchise fee. This payment allows you to operate under the brand and gives you access to the systems, training, and support that come with being part of the group. The initial fee generally falls between R75,000 and R150,000.

In addition to this, new franchisees must cover setup expenses to establish an office that meets the company’s brand standards. This includes costs for office space, signage, furniture, technology, and legal requirements. These expenses can vary widely depending on the size of the office and its location, but they typically range between one hundred and fifty thousand rand and three hundred and fifty thousand rand. When both the franchise fee and the setup costs are combined, most new franchisees should expect to spend somewhere between half a million rand and one million rand before they can officially open their doors.

Ongoing Fees

Owning a franchise is not just about the upfront costs. Once the business is running, franchisees are responsible for ongoing payments to the franchisor. The main charge is a royalty fee, which is usually around six percent of turnover. This fee supports the operational services and systems provided by the head office.

Another cost to plan for is marketing. Just Property invests heavily in brand visibility across South Africa, and franchisees contribute to this effort by paying an advertising levy. This is generally around two percent of turnover. By pooling resources, the company can run national campaigns that help raise awareness and drive more business for each branch.

Training is another ongoing cost, though it is much smaller than the royalty and marketing fees. New franchisees and their staff are trained to make sure they understand the systems, processes, and best practices of the company. There is usually a monthly fee for this continued support and access to new programs.

Working Capital

One of the most important but sometimes overlooked expenses is working capital. Even with a strong brand name behind you, it can take time for a new office to build a client base and become profitable. This means you will need enough funds to cover salaries, rent, utilities, and other monthly costs until the business can sustain itself. Depending on the area and the size of the office, working capital requirements can be several hundred thousand rand. Planning carefully for this stage is essential because underestimating working capital needs is one of the main reasons new businesses struggle in their first year.

Additional Costs

Beyond the obvious fees, there are other expenses that can add to the total cost of owning a Just Property franchise. These include insurance, technology upgrades, professional memberships, and compliance with industry regulations. The property market is highly regulated, and franchisees must ensure that they and their staff are properly registered and qualified to operate legally.

Conclusion

Starting a Just Property franchise in South Africa is a serious financial commitment, but it offers entrepreneurs the chance to enter the real estate market with the backing of a trusted national brand. The total initial investment usually falls between four hundred and seventy-five thousand rand and one million rand, while ongoing costs like royalties, marketing fees, and training must also be factored in. On top of this, adequate working capital is crucial to keep the business running smoothly in its early stages. For those prepared to invest both money and effort, a Just Property franchise can provide a rewarding opportunity to build a sustainable business within one of South Africa’s most important industries.